Controversy in France over go-kart event in prison grounds
A go-karting event held at a prison near Paris has sparked massive controversy across France.
And now the country’s president has added his opinion to the mounting criticism.
Images of French prisoners riding go-karts and taking part in sporting events over a swimming pool have circulated online.
The events took place in July at the Fresnes prison and were inspired by a French TV gameshow – Koh Lanta.
Three teams, made up of inmates and wardens, are believed to have been competing in the event which was organised by a local resident alongside the prison governor.
The video that was posted to YouTube has since been deleted.
Many French politicans are outraged “our prisons are not holiday camps where inmates and guards become friends,” said Éric Ciotti of the conservative party Les Républicains. “Where is the respect for the victims and their families who see these criminals having fun while they serve their sentences? Where is the fear of punishment?”
The French Justice Ministry had given permission for the event but minister Eric Dupond-Moretti has now come out and denied knowing about what he calls the “shocking” elements such as go-karting.